Aviation on tenterhooks as UN auditors jet in

The local aviation sector is waiting with bated breath for the arrival of a high-level audit team from the United Nations’ specialised agency responsible for aviation, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), next week.The team is tasked with assessing whether Namibia’s frantic efforts to meet global aviation safety standards have been successful. If not, the country could face punitive measures that could affect the industry.An ICAO team is currently preparing to jet into the country to conduct a safety assessment from 6 to 18 March to determine whether the country’s aviation facilities meet established international aviation standards.Ready to welcome auditors Following a chain of systematic failures in the aviation sector due to, among other problems, a lack of training of key personnel such as firefighters, which led to the downgrade of the country’s biggest airport in 2014, government is optimistic that its house is in order this time, just days before the major safety audit is performed.Some key issues flagged by ICAO during the damning 2014 safety audit included shortcomings in areas of aviation meteorology, a lack of critical equipment at Hosea Kutako International Airport, simulator-disabled aircraft removal equipment and training standards for aircraft rescue and firefighting services.&#039;Under control&#039;While critics remain skeptical, a high-level government committee established last year to ensure the country is ready for the audit holds a more confident view.The committee was established after the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) raised concerns over the looming audit, but there are fears that government left it too late.Namibia Airports Company CEO Bisey Uirab yesterday reiterated that it is all systems go for the upcoming ICAO audit, which is scheduled to commence next Wednesday.“Everything is under control and we are looking forward to the audit,” he said.Works and transport executive director Esther Kaapanda, who chairs the committee, said she is confident the country’s aviation infrastructure and operations are in line with global standards.“Namibia is firmly committed to surpassing this target through our ongoing efforts,” she said yesterday. “While the formation of the committee was not solely prompted by the 2014 audit report, it has played a crucial role in addressing various audits and interventions to this day. Its primary objective remains unchanged: to strengthen our aviation sector and ensure a sustainable aviation system. Notably, concerted efforts are underway to assist Namibia in preparing for the audit to improve our level of effective implementation from 57.39% to 75%,” Kaapanda said in a written response.&#039;Concerted efforts&#039;Critics, who spoke to Namibian Sun, alleged that the committee was established out of panic and that it has done little to address the issues that were flagged by ICAO almost a decade ago.Kaapanda, however, emphasised that “over the last year, concerted efforts have been made to significantly improve and address the safety deficiencies identified in our aviation system.”She said: “The committee has diligently undertaken a myriad of actions to meet the multifaceted requirements of the aviation industry. This includes legislative amendments and collaborative initiatives with regional and international civil aviation bodies to enhance safety standards.”In preparation for the 2024 Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP) Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA), Kaapanda said the NCAA last year hosted the Africa Civil Aviation Commission, an intervention that she says culminated in the successful certification of the Air Navigation Services service provider.She added that several technical assistance missions, hosted by the Africa Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in collaboration with the Southern Africa Safety Oversight (SASO) regional safety oversight body earlier this year, and involving representatives from various African civil aviation authorities, have helped Namibia prepare for the much-awaited audit.jemima@namibiansun.com

Aviation on tenterhooks as UN auditors jet in

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-11

Please login to leave a comment

Aviation on tenterhooks as UN auditors jet in

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-08-11

Please login to leave a comment

Login